Science & Tech · Gadgets & EVs · 16 hrs ago
Attack-21 stealth drone completes takeoffs and landings on Sichuan ship
China's Attack-21 stealth drone has taken off from and landed on the Sichuan ship, an amphibious assault ship.
The test, in late October, was described as the first time China's military has demonstrated this ability with a fixed-wing stealth drone on a large sea-based platform.
The drone was first shown publicly at a military parade in 2025.
A military analyst said the drone could also operate from the Fujian aircraft carrier, though this was an assessment, not a confirmed test.
The analyst suggested the carrier's planned group of five aircraft types could expand to “5+X,” with stealth drones added.
The proposed setup would pair Attack-21 with crewed J-35 stealth fighters for missions such as reconnaissance and strikes.
The analyst said aircraft from Fujian might also direct drones launched from Sichuan, using satellite communications or direct commands from pilots; no such operation was reported as having taken place.
China’s Attack-21 stealth drone successfully took off from and landed on the Sichuan, a Type 076 amphibious assault ship, for the first time in late October.
The test marks a new capability for China’s navy to operate fixed-wing stealth drones from a large maritime platform.
The drone was first publicly shown at China’s 2025 military parade.
A military observer said the drone could potentially operate from the Fujian aircraft carrier and work with manned aircraft, but this was an assessment, not a reported test.
He described possible coordination in which aircraft or satellite communications direct the drone to scout or strike targets.
- Who
- China’s Attack-21 stealth drone and the People’s Liberation Army Navy.
- What
- The drone completed its first successful takeoffs and landings on the Sichuan.
- When
- In late October; the article was published on November 8, 2026.
- Where
- On the Sichuan, a Type 076 amphibious assault ship.
- Why
- The test demonstrated the navy’s ability to operate fixed-wing stealth drones from a large maritime platform.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Attack-21 was publicly shown for the first time at China’s military parade.
The Attack-21 completed its first successful takeoffs and landings on the Sichuan.
China News Service published the article discussing the test and potential uses of the drone.
- Drone
- Attack-21
- Ship
- Sichuan, a Type 076 amphibious assault ship
- Test
- First successful takeoffs and landings on the ship
- First public appearance
- China’s 2025 military parade
- Potential coordination
- Wei Dongxu said the drone could work with J-35 or J-15T pilots and satellite communications
What people are saying
I think it is entirely possible, and one could even say there are no technical obstacles.
The most likely “X” is a carrier-based stealth drone like the Attack-21.